What Are The Countries That Have Banned Vaping?

What is your next vacation destination? Are you planning on going abroad to see some new sights, learn a new language, new customs, engage with the locals and create some fantastic memories? Well, that is amazing, and it’s always nice to experience new things, but if you are a vaper, there will be some restrictions set in place for you which might limit your country options.

There are 195 countries in the world which mean there are 195 different legislation customs available that restrict or permit certain behaviors. Since vaping is a new and somewhat controversial issue, with research still underway to determine whether it is safe or not, some countries have already taken some steps and decided to limit or even ban vaping. Why is this important? Well, if you live in a country where vaping is allowed, and you are planning to travel to one of the countries which we will, later on, mention you need to be prepared. Most vapers don’t read on the legislation set in place in their country of choice which means that they might be fined or (in some of the worst cases) jailed for bringing, buying or even smoking their e-cigarettes in public or even in private.

These laws are not marketed towards a wide audience so that this complete guide will be your best ally for current or future trip planning. We will discuss countries where vaping is restricted, and countries where vaping is completely banned. Some of these laws might apply to your situation and some might not but it is best to learn all about the possible outcomes.

Where Is It Restricted?

We will start our small guide by looking at the countries where vaping is currently restricted. These countries include:

Canada

In Canada law dictates that individuals under 19 years of age are not allowed to smoke e-cigarettes. Generally speaking, each establishment can set its own rules on whether to allow vaping or not, but usually, you will not have any problems.

Denmark

In Denmark, e-cigarette advertising is completely restricted. The Danish Medicines Agency sees e-cigarettes with nicotine liquids as medicinal devices for those trying to quit yet these products still require a license to start advertising and none have been issued as of yet.

Japan

You can smoke your e-cigarette peacefully in Japan but you cannot take more than 120ml of liquid with you, and it is illegal to try and buy e-liquids while there.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, you may get up to two years in jail if you use or own e-liquids with nicotine in them. Nicotine is classified as a poison by law, and there are severe penalties linked with crossing it.

Australia

If you’re going to Queensland, pack your nicotine free e-liquids for the trip since owning them is illegal. The rest of the states do not carry this penalty.

Finland

Here, the law has banned the advertisement of e-cigarettes. Not only is this, but a new law set in place dictates that smoking on balconies or in public spaces is forbidden.

New Zealand

Here, e-cigarettes are regulated and treated by law as combustible cigarettes. Adolescents are not able to purchase them, the vaping products are banned in workplaces and restaurants, and advertising is also very strict.

Hungary

Legal purchase age of e-liquids is set at 18 years, and e-liquids with nicotine in them are distributed by law only in National Tobacco shops, with the ml limit set at 10ml per bottle.

Iran

By law, e-cigarettes are means of tobacco consumption which entails that they fall under the same laws set in place for tobacco consumption and distribution.

Switzerland

Switzerland has banned sales of e-cigarettes containing nicotine, those that do not have nicotine are classified as commodities, and they are allowed.

Sweden

E-liquids containing nicotine are banned from purchasing and smoking for anyone below the age of 18.

Norway

E-cigarette advertising is restricted, and nicotine e-liquids have to be imported from EEA member states only for personal or private use.

South Africa

E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are allowed, but by law, they are treated as class 3 medicines.

Where Is It Banned?

Here is the list of countries where vaping is banned and what the exact rules are for each of them:

Argentina

A ruling ban prohibits Sales, advertising, distribution and use of any types of e-cigarettes.

Austria

Nicotine e-liquids cannot be sold without a license since they are classified as medical devices.

Belgium

By law e-liquid cartridges that have more than 2ml and a maximum of 20mg/ml of nicotine are banned. Selling regulations are also very strict.

Brazil

Manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes have been banned since 2014.

Brunei

E-cigarettes are imitation tobacco products and manufacturing, selling, or even importation of these products is prohibited, fines for usage are up to 200 pounds.

Colombia

Similar with Brunei, here these products cannot be sold, purchased or imported with added bans prohibiting use on public transportation and public spaces.

Egypt

Egypt has made e-cigarettes illegal, their decision was based on concerns voiced by the World Health Organization.

E-cigarettes are classified as drugs, and use of them will lead to fines and prison sentences.

Tajikistan

Thailand

Turkey

UAE

Uruguay

Venezuela

The countries where we have not added any comments distinctly prohibit all use of e-cigarettes, whether the e-liquid has nicotine in it or not. These restrictions are set in place because of these countries classify e-cigarettes like regular tobacco products which means that sales, advertising, availability to minors, importation, and manufacturing are strictly banned.

These regulations may change in time depending on the new findings that research groups will come upon regarding e-cigarettes. However, it is good to know what you can or cannot do in these countries. The ones where vaping is completely banned have as light sanctions hefty fines and these range up to prison sentences. As a simple tourist, being faced with a prison sentence for merely vaping in a public area is not something that anyone wants, so be sure to read up on the laws before you set your new travel destination.

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Hi! I’m Nicholas King, the founder, and Chief Editor at SmokeTastic. As an ex-smoker and now vaping enthusiast for over 13 years myself, I understand the transition between smoking and vaping. My aim is to share useful information about all the different vape and e-cig products on the market, self-help tips, and detailed reviews.

I hope you find something on SmokeTastic that helps you with your decision process.

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